Psalm 39

Authorship

This Psalm was authored by David.

Outline

(This began as Wendland's Expository Outline, but may be adapted.)

I. What the psalmist said: (1)

A. I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue.

B. I will keep my mouth with a bridle while the wicked is before me.

II. What the psalmist did: (2)

A. I was dumb with silence.

B. I held my peace, even from good.

III. How the psalmist felt: (3)

A. My sorrow was stirred.

B. My heart was hot within me.

C. While I was musing the fire burned.

IV. When the psalmist finally spoke, this is what he said: (4-6)

A. Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days:

1. That I may know how frail I am.

2. You make my days as an handbreadth.

3. My age is as nothing before thee.

B. Even at his best state, man is altogether vanity:

1. Every man walks in a vain shew.

2. They are disquieted in vain.

3. They heap up riches, and knows not who shall gather them.

V. What the psalmist, with hope in God, is waiting for: (7-11)

A. Deliver me from all my transgressions.

B. Make me not the reproach of the foolish.

C. Help me keep my mouth shut and let You do it.

D. Remove Your stroke away from me:

1. I am consumed by the blow of Your hand.

2. When You, with rebukes, correct man for iniquity, You make his beauty to consume away like a moth.

3. Surely every man is vanity.

VI. What the psalmist prayed: (12-13)

A. Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear unto my cry.

B. Hold not Thy peace at my tears.

C. Spare me, that I may recover strength before I die.

VII. How the psalmist viewed himself: (12)

A. I am a stranger to You.

B. I am a sojourner, as all my fathers were.

Textual Criticism

The following is from Barthélemy's Critique textuelle de l’Ancien Testament volume on the Psalms. For a key to the various symbols and abbreviations, click here.

Ps 39,3(2) מִטּוֹב {A}

Ps39,7(6) יֶהֱמָיוּן {A} MT, G, T // assim-ctext: g, σ', Hebr, S sing